PART 1
Examples
When you go shopping, do you prefer to pay for things in cash or by card? [Why?]
I always try to pay for things in cash, even if the store accepts cards. Here are a few reasons why:
It's easier to keep track of how much money I'm spending when I'm paying in cash.
I don't have to worry about my credit card information getting stolen if I'm using it at a store.
Cash is generally accepted at more places than cards are.
It feels better to hand over cash than to swipe a card.
Do you ever save money to buy special things? [Why/Why not?]
I definitely think it's important to save money for special things! Hey, who doesn't love a great splurge every now and then?
I think it's important to have goals to save up for so that you always have something to look forward to.
It also gives you a sense of accomplishment when you're finally able to purchase that long-awaited item.
There are all sorts of things that I've saved up for - vacations, a new car, my house, big electronics, etc.
Whether or not people save really depends on what each individual values and what they're working towards in life.
I know people who have saved up for years to take their dream trip around the world, and others who have carefully saved so that they can buy a retirement home.
Would you ever take a job which had low pay? [Why/Why not?]
Maybe. It would depend on the job.
If it was a job that I really loved and thought was important, then I would consider it.
Even if the pay wasn't great, I would still consider it because the satisfaction of doing something you love can be worth more than money.
On the other hand, if it was a job that I didn't really care about and didn't think was important, then I wouldn't take it even if the pay was high.
Would winning a lot of money make a big difference to your life? [Why/Why not?]
No doubt winning a lot of money would make a big difference in my life.
It would give me financial security, freedom, and choices that I wouldn't have otherwise. Not to mention, it would also be pretty damn exciting!
However, there are also some potential downsides to winning a large sum of money.
For one, it could change my relationships with friends and family members. People might start asking for money or favors, and I might not be able to say no.
Additionally, winning a lot of money can also lead to feelings of guilt or insecurity. Am I really worthy of all this money? What if I lose it all?
PART 2
Describe an interesting discussion you had as part of your work or studies.
You should say:and explain why you found the discussion interesting.
- what the subject of the discussion was
- who you discussed the subject with
- what opinions were expressed
Cambridge speaking test questions sample answers
At work, we often have lively debates about various topics related to our field.
Recently, we were discussing the pros and cons of a specific approach to data analysis.
Some people argued that this approach was too simplistic and wouldn't be able to capture all the nuances of the data.
Others countered that the approach was actually quite clever and would be very effective in practice.
We went back and forth for a while, with each side making good points. In the end, we didn't reach a consensus, but it was an interesting discussion nonetheless.
I think it was interesting because it showed that there is no one "right" way to do things in data analysis. Sometimes, the best approach is the simplest one. Other times, a more complex approach is necessary. It all depends on the situation.
It's great to work with colleagues who are willing to engage in spirited debate - it makes for a more dynamic and fun workplace!
PART 3
Discussing problems with others
Example questions:
Why is it good to discuss problems with other people?
Many people feel apprehensive about discussing their problems with others. They may worry that they will be judged or that their problems will seem insignificant compared to others.
However, there are many good reasons to discuss your problems with others.
First, talking about your problems can help you gain a new perspective regarding them. When you explain your problem to someone else, you may find that it doesn't seem as daunting as it did before.
Additionally, discussing your problems with others can help you develop a support network of people who understand what you're going through and can offer advice and encouragement.
Finally, talking about your problems can make you feel better. There is a sense of relief when you share your burdens with someone else.
Do you think that it's better to talk to friends and not family about problems?
There are pros and cons to talking to friends OR family about problems.
Talking to friends about problems can be a great way to vent and get support.
However, there is always the risk that your friend will gossip about the problem or that they will not be able to offer helpful advice.
Talking to family about problems can be helpful because they usually have your best interests at heart and want to see you succeed.
However, there is always the risk that your family will overreact or that they will not understand what you are going through.
Is it always a good idea to tell lots of people about a problem?
No, it isn't always a good idea to tell lots of people about a problem. In some cases, it can actually make things worse.
For example, imagine you're having trouble with a project at work. You could go to your boss and tell them about the problem or go to a coworker and vent about how frustrating it is. But what if telling either of these people makes the situation worse?
Your boss could get angry or upset and may not be able to help you solve the problem. Or, your coworker could gossip about your struggle, making it harder for you to focus on finding a solution. So it might be better not to tell anyone else about the problem.
Communication skills at work
Example questions
Which communication skills are most important when taking part in meetings with colleagues?
Generally speaking, communication skills are important whenever interacting with people. However, some specific skills can be particularly helpful during meetings.
For example, active listening is a key communication skill that can help you engage with what others say during a meeting. Active listening involves not just hearing the words that someone says but also trying to understand the deeper meaning behind them. Why is this important? Because it allows you to gather information more effectively and build rapport with others.
Another key communication skill for meetings is assertiveness. This means being able to express your ideas and opinions clearly and confidently while still respecting the views of others.
Additionally, You must be able to express yourself clearly and concisely and be attentive to the body language and nonverbal cues of other people in the meeting.
Finally, effective communication also requires the ability to manage conflict constructively. You must be able to calmly and politely disagree with others and have the ability to mediate disagreements between other participants in the meeting.
What are the possible effects of poor written communication skills at work?
In today's workplace, the ability to communicate effectively is more important than ever.
With so much business being conducted electronically, employees must be able to communicate clearly and concisely in writing.
Unfortunately, poor written communication skills can have several negative consequences.
First and foremost, it can lead to misunderstanding and miscommunication among employees, which can, in turn, lead to errors and lost productivity.
Additionally, poor writing skills can reflect poorly on the company as a whole and make it difficult to attract and retain top talent.
Finally, employees who lack strong writing skills may find it difficult to advance in their careers as they may be passed over for promotions or high-profile projects in favor of others with better skills.
In short, poor written communication skills can harm your career prospects.
What do you think will be the future impact of technology on communication in the workplace?
The way we communicate in the workplace is constantly evolving, thanks to advances in technology.
In the past, face-to-face meetings were the primary form of communication. Today, we have an array of options that allow us to connect with colleagues without leaving our desks.
Email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and social media are all essential tools for modern businesses.
While some people may worry that technology is making us less social, it has actually improved workplace communication.
It’s now easier than ever to stay in touch with colleagues, no matter where they are.
With more people working remotely, we’ve had to find new ways to collaborate effectively. So, technology in the future will likely continue to make communication at work even easier and more efficient.